Yesterday, twenty-five California environmental, climate, and public health groups, in conjunction with Food & Water Watch, sent a letter to Governor Newsom – along with thousands of petitions – calling on him to sign a petition demanding the federal government monitor microplastics in our water.

“Awareness is the first step to action,” said Giovanna Morelli, who delivered the petitions to the State Capitol. “We need comprehensive monitoring, and that’s why we are asking the governor of California to take the lead in demanding the EPA do its share of the work by monitoring microplastics in our drinking water.”

Microplastics are a widespread presence – especially in our drinking water – and pose a major threat to our health. It’s estimated that each year the average person consumes 4,000 or more microplastic particles from drinking water, or the equivalent to a credit card each week.

While California already has taken bold action in addressing microplastics, they are currently unregulated and unmonitored at the federal level. However, a clause in the Safe Drinking Water Act says that if seven governors petition the EPA to monitor a specific contaminant, the agency must add it to a monitoring list. The letter calls on Governor Newsom to add his name to the petition.

“California has already made some great strides in addressing the growing threat of microplastics in our drinking water, but we must ensure that we also have comprehensive public health standards at the federal level to protect California’s – and the nation’s – water from microplastics,” said Food & Water Watch California Director Nicole Ghio. “Leading on this petition is a perfect opportunity for Governor Newsom to send the Trump Administration the message that everyone deserves strong protections from microplastics.”

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